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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Adakku Manathai

From Kadhal Vaaganam · 1968

Lyricist
Aalangudi Somu
Singer
T. M. Soundararajan
Music director
K. V. Mahadevan
Details
Kadhal Vaaganam1968

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Male
Adakku…adakku manadhai adakkuControl... control, control your mind
Agandhai vazhiyil alaiyum manadhai adakkuControl the mind that wanders in the path of arrogance
Adakku…mmm…adakku manadhai adakkuControl... mmm... control, control your mind
Agandhai vazhiyil alaiyum manadhai adakkuControl the mind that wanders in the path of arrogance
Male
Aabathukku udhavi seidhaal paavamum illaiThere is no sin in helping someone in danger
Veen aanavathai valarpadhanaal laabamum illaiThere is no benefit in cultivating vain pride
Aabathukku udhavi seidhaal paavamum illaiThere is no sin in helping someone in danger
Veen aanavathai valarpadhanaal laabamum illaiThere is no benefit in cultivating vain pride
Anbukku yenguvathil kaevalam illaiThere is no shame in longing for love
Anbukku yenguvathil kaevalam illaiThere is no shame in longing for love
Adhai aduthavarukku koduppathanaal keduthalum illaiThere is no harm in giving that love to others
Adhai aduthavarukku koduppathanaal keduthalum illaiThere is no harm in giving that love to others
Male
Adakku…mmm…adakku manadhai adakkuControl... mmm... control, control your mind
Agandhai vazhiyil alaiyum manadhai adakkuControl the mind that wanders in the path of arrogance
Male
Oruvarukku oruvar thunai enbathu unmaiIt is a truth that people are support for one another
Indha unmaiyai nee oppu kondaal ulagukku nanmaiIf you accept this truth, it benefits the world
Oruvarukku oruvar thunai enbathu unmaiIt is a truth that people are support for one another
Indha unmaiyai nee oppu kondaal ulagukku nanmaiIf you accept this truth, it benefits the world
Porumaiyudan karunai saerndhu pirappadhu penmaiWomanhood is born out of patience combined with compassion
Porumaiyudan karunai saerndhu pirappadhu penmaiWomanhood is born out of patience combined with compassion
Idhai purindhu nadakkum pengal nenjam paalinam venmaiThe heart of women who understand this and act accordingly is as pure as milk
Idhai purindhu nadakkum pengal nenjam paalinam venmaiThe heart of women who understand this and act accordingly is as pure as milk
Male
Adakku…mmm…adakku manadhai adakkuControl... mmm... control, control your mind
Agandhai vazhiyil alaiyum manadhai adakkuControl the mind that wanders in the path of arrogance
Male
Aangal endrum pengal endrum thanithaniyaaghaAs man and woman separately
Andha aandavan yen pirithu veithaan migha thelivaaghaWhy did the Almighty divide them so clearly?
Jagathinilae aanum pennum orr uyiaraaghaSo that man and woman in this world live as one soul
Ingae saerndhu vaazhum thathuvathai solvadharkkaaghaTo convey the philosophy of living together in unity
Saerndhu vaazhum thathuvathai solvadharkkaaghaTo convey the philosophy of living together in unity
Male
Adakku…mmm…adakku manadhai adakkuControl... mmm... control, control your mind
Agandhai vazhiyil alaiyum manadhai adakkuControl the mind that wanders in the path of arrogance
Manadhai adakkuControl your mind

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

Adakku Manadhai Adakku is a timeless philosophical song from the 1968 Tamil film Kadhal Vaaganam, performed by T. M. Soundararajan. The song acts as a moral discourse advising listeners to master their desires and restrain ego. It highlights that true nobility lies in helping those in need, shedding arrogance, and freely sharing love without feeling demeaned.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Anaphora / Ettai (Repetition)

Adakku…adakku manadhai adakku

The word 'Adakku' (Control) is repeated at the beginning and end of the refrain to emphasize mental self-control.

Iyaibu (End Rhyme)

Aabathukku udhavi seidhaal paavamum illai / Veen aanavathai valarpadhanaal laabamum illai

Rhyming endings with 'illai' in consecutive lines to create a rhythmic flow in philosophical statements.

Upamai (Simile)

Idhai purindhu nadakkum pengal nenjam paalinam venmai

Comparing the virtue and purity of a wise woman's heart to the whiteness and purity of milk ('paalinam venmai').

Monai (Initial Alliteration)

Porumaiyudan karunai saerndhu pirappadhu penmai

Use of matching initial consonants ('P') in Porumaiyudan, pirappadhu, and penmai.

Did you know?

Trivia

Kadhal Vaaganam (1968) starred M. G. Ramachandran (MGR) alongside Jayalalithaa. MGR songs frequently featured moral lessons written by lyricists like Aalangudi Somu under K. V. Mahadevan's musical direction, directly aligning with MGR's political and social screen image.

Keep listening

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